Neville calls Gabriel’s Haaland celebration disrespectful

Arsenal delivered a stunning 5-1 victory over Manchester City, keeping their title hopes alive. However, defender Gabriel stirred controversy by celebrating in Haaland’s face after Arsenal’s early goal, a move Gary Neville criticized as “disrespectful.”

The bad blood between the two players dates back to September when Haaland threw a ball at Gabriel’s head during a heated encounter.

While Arsenal players may have felt justified in getting one back, Neville wasn’t impressed. “I didn’t like it. It made me feel uneasy,” he said on his Sky Sports podcast.

Gabriel magalhães Celebrated Arsenal Opener at Haaland Face (photo credit: Sky Sports)
Gabriel magalhães Celebrated Arsenal Opener at Haaland Face (photo credit: Sky Sports)

Despite the drama, Arsenal dominated the match. Thomas Partey restored their lead just moments after Haaland’s equalizer before Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz, and Ethan Nwaneri sealed a humiliating defeat for City.

Lewis-Skelly even mimicked Haaland’s celebration, a moment Pep Guardiola brushed off with, “That’s good.”

Myles Lewis-Skelly Mimicked Haaland Celebration (photo credit: Getty)
Myles Lewis-Skelly Mimicked Haaland Celebration (photo credit: Getty)

Guardiola admitted his team fell apart late on. “I regret the last 25 minutes,” he said. “Before that, we were in the game.” But with City now trailing in the title race, Arsenal’s emphatic win could be a turning point in the season.

Abasiodu Sunday

About the Author: Abasiodu Sunday

Abasiodu Sunday is an author whose passion for global football spans beyond borders, capturing the excitement of rising stars and established legends alike. From the English Premier League to the FA Cup, the Champions League, the World Cup, and beyond, Imhons' writing covers the most prestigious tournaments and leagues worldwide. Whether it’s the vibrant fields of the Americas, the storied stadiums of Europe, the passionate pitches of the Middle East, or the heart of Africa, Imhons is always eager to explore the game. With a drink in hand, the author expertly connects the dots between culture, identity, and football, offering readers a deep dive into the universal love and intricacies of the sport.

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